A daredevil social media star known as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater in southwest Yemen. Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, also known as Antar Al Absi, was attempting a dangerous free climb without any safety ropes or gear on Friday, June 12, 2026. He lost his grip and fell 120 meters (393 feet) into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater.
The 30-year-old influencer gained a massive following for his high-risk acrobatic stunts across rugged Yemeni terrain. Rescue teams recovered his body after a complex mission inside the crater.
Trigger Warning: This article discusses the death of a social media influencer following a fatal accident.
Who Was Antar Al Absi
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar was an adventure content creator from Yemen. He earned the nickname “Spider-Man of Yemen” because of his incredible ability to scale steep cliffs, buildings, and volcanic walls using only his bare hands.
He had amassed more than 320,000 followers on Facebook. His videos often showed him hanging from cliff edges with his legs dangling over deadly drops. In one viral clip, he performed tricks while gripping a rocky ledge with one hand, waving to the camera with the other.
His followers admired his courage. He became one of Yemen’s most recognized social media personalities during a time of war and economic hardship in the country. Reports suggest Antar often spoke about poverty and limited job opportunities, explaining that his dangerous climbs were partly a way to earn income and support himself.
What Happened at the Hardah Dam Crater
The accident occurred at the Hardah Dam volcanic crater, also known as the Haradhat Damt. It is located near the city of Damt in Yemen’s southern Dhale province. The crater is a famous natural landmark. It has steep, near-vertical rock walls and a hot sulfur lake sitting at the bottom.
On Friday, Antar attempted to climb the crater’s wall. He was not wearing any safety equipment. A short video released by Yemen’s Civil Defense Authority shows the moment of the fall. The footage, which lasts about 10 seconds, shows Antar gripping the rocky wall. Arabic names and phrases are written in white across the stone behind him. He holds on with his right hand and raises his left hand in the air. Suddenly, his right hand loses grip, and he plunges backward into the crater.
Authorities said the crater is about 120 meters wide and contains deep water at the bottom.
The Rescue Operation to Recover His Body
After Antar fell, Yemen’s Civil Defense Authority immediately sent rescue teams to the site. The operation involved divers, water rescue specialists, and climbing experts. The mission was extremely dangerous. Officials described it as “one of the most difficult and complex field rescue missions” they had ever faced.
Rescuers had to scale down the steep walls of the crater using ropes and harnesses. The terrain was rugged. Temperatures inside the crater were very high. The rescue teams worked for nearly 24 hours to locate and recover Antar’s body.
Divers eventually found his body at a depth of 30 meters (98 feet) below the water’s surface. The recovery was completed on Saturday, June 13. The Civil Defense Authority posted footage of the rescue operation, showing teams winching a metal cage down into the crater to bring the body back up.
How Fans and Authorities Reacted
News of Antar’s death spread quickly across social media. His followers expressed shock and sadness. Many remembered him as a fearless adventurer who inspired others with his determination to overcome hardship.
On Sunday, June 14, Yemen’s Civil Defense Authority held a ceremony to honor the rescue team. The team members were promoted for demonstrating “exceptional field capabilities amid rugged terrain, harsh environmental conditions and high temperatures.”
The Authority also issued a warning to other climbers and adventure seekers. They urged people to follow safety procedures and use proper protective gear.
“We urge those who climb and engage in adventure sports to observe safety procedures and use appropriate protective gear to avert similar incidents.”
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The Volcanic Crater Where He Died
The Hardah Dam crater is a unique geological formation. It is a volcanic crater that has filled with water over time. The lake at the bottom is rich in sulfur and remains hot. In recent years, the site has become a tourist attraction in Yemen, drawing visitors despite the country’s ongoing conflict.
The crater walls rise steeply from the water, making them a tempting but deadly challenge for climbers. Antar had climbed there before. He had posted videos of previous successful ascents. But on Friday, the climb ended in tragedy.
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